Lisa Weber is a well-established and well-respected yoga teacher in northern California. Today in her interview she shares a bit about her experience and how her teaching has evolved over time. Having met Lisa and enjoyed taking her classes, it’s a gift to be able to feature her in the Alive in the Fire series on successful, badass women entrepreneurs.

When did you first start practicing yoga? What kept you coming back to your practice?

I started practicing yoga in the early 2000’s while training for a marathon. I found that yoga was quite complimentary to all the long distance running I was doing. I think yoga really found me when I was a stay at home mom. I was taking back to back classes then because I had the luxury of time and free childcare at In Motion Fitness and desperately needed to get back in touch with my body and have something of my own outside motherhood.

What advice do you have for someone who’s new to yoga who needs help starting out?

I always advise anyone new to the practice to simply start where they are and their body and practice will meet them there. Whatever is going on with someone physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually is where they push off from. It might seem foreign at first but in time the practice will seem attainable. Approach it one breath at a time.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to become a teacher? What inspired you to do a training and how did it go?

I am a Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) at the 200-hour level through Northern California Yoga Institute and have been teaching since 2009. My dear friend Kamie Loeser inspired me to participate in her first ever teacher training program here in Chico. Initially I was reluctant because I had no desire to teach but felt it was a great opportunity to deepen my own practice. It was one of the most incredible experiences and after 9 months I knew I was meant to teach yoga. I got hired at In Motion Fitness, then Chico Sports Club and taught at both gyms until I started my own business in 2013.

How did you build confidence as a new teacher?

During the first couple years of teaching I worked diligently on finding my own voice as a teacher and in time grew more confident. The more classes you teach the more comfortable and assertive you get leading a class. I also maintained my own practice and went to other instructors to get ideas, suggestions and feedback for my own classes. It’s important to always stay a student. I find that it’s better to just teach from the heart and stay true to your authentic self as a teacher.

What’s it like being an entrepreneur? What inspired you to create your business?

In 2013 I left both gyms and shortly thereafter started teaching at Yoga Center of Chico as an independent contractor. Simultaneously, I expanded into Corporate yoga teaching at Build.com, ChicoBag, and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. I also started teaching 2 days a week in Forest Ranch at the community center. I realized I had miraculously established a name for myself as a teacher and leader in our yoga community so I continued to offer a variety of classes throughout the week.

What has been the number one thing that has helped you increase your income as a yoga teacher? And/or as a coach?

I had the good fortune of increasing my income as a teacher by being the first yoga instructor to partner with the Forebay Aquatic Center and offer SUP yoga classes. I pioneered that program summer of 2013 and taught classes for 6 years. Those were lucrative classes. I thoroughly enjoyed teaching in nature and on the water. I also got brave enough to offer workshops and retreats.

What has helped you create a mindset around abundance, knowing your worth, and charging appropriately?

In 2020 I ended my 20 year marriage and was very concerned about my finances. I knew I couldn’t survive and support myself and teenage daughters on my yoga income. I applied to Costco and worked there as a seasonal employee from September 2020-December 2020 then got hired as a part time employee which included health insurance. I was given the book, “You Are a Badass at Making Money” shortly thereafter and it forever changed my relationship and mindset around money. I created a mantra for myself, “Money comes to me easily.” Money is essentially energy, it’s currency that flows in and flows out.

What advice would you give to newer teachers or those newer in their business? What mindset helped you overcome challenges as you were building your confidence?

Chico seems to be saturated with yoga instructors, new studios, new offerings etc but I firmly believe there is room for all of us. What’s important is getting this ancient time tested practice into our community for everyone to experience and enjoy. Yoga is more than poses, it’s a mindset helping us navigate the highs and lows of the daily grind. It’s good for our mental health and wellness and helps us navigate the complexity of the human condition.

What do you enjoy most on your off days? What helps you relax and stay balanced?

When I am not teaching yoga I prefer to spend time in nature. You can find me on my days off on my paddle board, hiking, walking, biking, swimming and on a yoga mat. I enjoy spending time with friends and my daughters.

Thank you, Lisa for being a part of this series! If you want to learn more about Lisa’s work or connect with her, check out her Facebook page, Lisa Weber Yoga.

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